Those who are worried about the water crisis in Cape Town will be pleased to hear that Day Zero (the projected date when the city would cut the supply of water to its citizens) will not take place this year - welcome news for both travellers and locals.

​When considering the reasons why people visit Cape Town, many think of it as a top destination for Oenophiles (that’s wine lovers to the uninitiated), but there is also a foodie revolution going on in the metropolis.

La Parada's amazing vibe comes a close second to the tapas served at the restaurant. If you’re a seafood lover, the seared sesame crusted tuna and prawn croquettes get top billing but arrive early if you want to experience the menu at sundown as you’ll be hard-pressed to find a seat.

Seabreeze Fish & ShellOysters and bubbly anyone? Seabreeze Fish & Shell is one of the best places to down both, and if you’re a die-hard fish and chips fan or have yet to be converted, this is the place to get stuck in.

Pure Elixir CafeWith its wooden Mother Earth vibe, it’s fitting that the Elixir Cafe is vegan-friendly. Its organic, preservative free and gluten-free options are thoughtful nods to the growing plant-based food movement and the homemade milk alternatives (such as almond, cashew, hemp, oat and coconut milk) will really get you enthused about living and eating more consciously. Not cheap, but the menu is progressive and the Organic Vegan Roti and Chocolate Smoothie should be on your “to go” list.

The Hot SkilletCooking from the screen to the streets, The Hot Skilletis run by former My Kitchen Rules SA finalists Gomotsegang Modiselle and Oginga Siwundla. You can expect a distinctly South African flavour in their dishes and their breakfast is “to get upfor,” Eggs Benedict, Banger and Egg Sandwich and Cornflake Crusted Cinnamon French Toast on the mouth-watering menu. Every Friday is Braai Day, but housed inside The Young Blood Gallery, which exhibits incredible art from local artists, any day will be food for the soul.

Bowls on BreeWhen you find out Bowls on Bree uses sustainably sourced ingredients, you know you’re on to a good thing. Their dishes are jam-packed with either trout, tofu or chicken - the added grains, greens and dressings ensuring you feel good from the inside-out!

Culture Club CheeseDescribed as a “wedge of fabulousness,” Culture Club Cheese is the place to dig into if you’re a fan of all things well, cheese - 80% of which is locally sourced. Toasted sandwiches which are literally drowning in toppings; healthy salads for the calorie counters amongst us, cheese platters, omelettes and more will have you seeing cheese in a brand new light. The owner, Luke (a cheesemaker, monger and affineur from the UK) is impressively passionate about his offerings and there are many different flavours to be explored. Try the delicious tapas or even a camembert mac ‘n cheese.

Image courtesy of Culture Club Cheese

La TeteIf you want to eat the whole beast head for La Tete. Chef Giles Edwards’ offal menu draws on dishes from the famous London restaurant St. Johns - where he worked previously - with a dash of South Africa thrown in. There are plenty of seafood options if you’re not big on meat and you can expect a varied menu on each visit as the menu is dependent on what's available locally.

Bacon on BreeIf you’re always left salivating when pork is on the menu, try Bacon on Bree, an upmarket 'baconporium.' Chow down on everything from bacon-and-brie croissants to baguettes topped with roasted tomato, bacon and brie. It has a relaxed ambience and checking out the secret courtyard is a must.

RED! The GalleryWhy settle for a coffee to go when you could stay and sip on your latte in an art gallery? At “Red! The Gallery,” it’s all about appreciating South Africa’s best and emerging artists. Breakfast here will really fuel the imagination. Go for the campfire breakfast – three eggs cooked in onion, tomato and chillies all topped off with cheddar cheese.

So, when it comes to finding a slice of foodie Heaven in Cape Town, head for Bree Street and you can't go wrong. ​

Set amongst the vineyards of Leeu Estates, a breathtakingly beautiful wine estate featuring luxuriously appointed spacious rooms and suites in the Franschhoek region of South Africa, you’ll find The Spa at Leeu Estates.

Those awe-inspiring mountain views

​This gorgeous wellness sanctuary is a little slice of heaven in the Cape Winelands, a must for frazzled people looking to restore their vitality or ease their strains and stresses. Whatever your need in the department of wellness and pampering, you’re certain to find it here. The spa focuses on hand-picked treatments inspired by centuries-old Asian traditions.

Say ohm

The only ila spa in the region, they offer a wide range of products from this ‘beyond organic’ luxury skincare and spa brand. Using wild-harvested organic ingredients from remote, untainted regions such as the Amazon rain forest and the Himalayas, the hand-blended ila product range, which is utilised in the treatments, harnesses natural healing energy.

A range of ila spa products available for purchase

The facilities at The Spa at Leeu Estates
There is a wealth of facilities here for guests to enjoy including:
- Three treatment rooms (including one couple’s suite for those wanting a romantic treat)
- A hair and nail salon
- A hydrotherapy area with his and hers changing and steam rooms
- A plunge pool overlooking a tranquil lily pond
- A 15-metre infinity swimming pool
- A gym (with the option of personal training available for R750 for one-to-one training or R500 for a group session)

​Spa treatments on offer include facials (for men and women), a variety of massages, reflexology, body wraps and scrubs, chakra treatments and a variety of beauty treatments including eyelash/eyebrow tints, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and hairdressing. There are also a variety of male grooming treatments for the dapper chap. Depending on which treatments you select, prices range from R150 and go up to R1000.

A relaxation area

​Our experience at The Spa at Leeu Estates
I started my spa day with a back and neck message. At the start of the treatment, the therapist gave me a ritual foot cleansing treatment and I then hopped on to the bed for a 60-minute massage. The treatment rooms all boast fabulous views, making the experience even more magical.

​Afterwards, I felt incredibly relaxed and I made my way to the tranquil plunge pool, which had views of lily pads and the mountains in the distance, giving the impression that I’d stepped into one of Monet’s water lilies paintings.

The plunge pool

​After a while on my own, I decided to re-join my husband, who had been taking advantage of the glorious sunny day stretched out on a sun lounger next to the infinity pool overlooking the vines. The setting really was idyllic and we felt truly spoilt as we basked in the rays. Everything is thought through here, including the selection of complimentary sunblock in a basket near the pool (trust us, you’ll need it). As we laid by the pool, the only sound we heard was the gentle lapping of water falling over the side of the pool and a breeze whispering through the vines.

The décor
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The décor here is contemporary chic, with lots of stylish stone walls, chic white sofas which are perfect for lounging on and thick stuffed arm chairs screaming out for you to settle in with a magazine and enjoy an herbal tea or a chilled glass of water with lemon.

The perfect spot to unwind

Both indoors and out, you’ll also see a variety of bronze sculptures, such as a reclining woman and a meditating hare, which add an artistic flourish.

​The verdict
If you leave here feeling stressed or grumpy there’s no hope, as this is one of the best spa experiences we’ve had in a long time. The only disappoint we had was when we had to leave begrudgingly, knowing full well it would be difficult to find somewhere this special again.

If you’re guest, a day here is the final icing on the cake. If you’re not a guest, treat yourself for an indulgent day – you won’t regret it.
​

​*During my stay I was hosted by the lovely team at the Leeu Estates. All views and opinions are my own.

**All images copyright of A.A. Miln

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Leeu Estates is a breathtakingly beautiful wine estate featuring luxuriously appointed spacious rooms and suites in the Franschhoek region of South Africa, otherwise known as the Cape Winelands.

The Dining Room located on Leeu Estates should be a destination in its own right for its sheer power to help you unwind as you indulge in fabulous cuisine, feeling slightly smug as you sip wine and enjoy the mountain views.

Upon arrival (and weather dependent) diners are given the option of dining al fresco where they can sit on white rattan arm chairs sheltered from the sweltering sun by large white sun umbrellas, while gazing at views of sun-dappled vines or they can choose to remain indoors in the elegant dining room with its muted colour palette of taupe chairs complemented by dark wooden tables.

​Within the dining room, diners can appreciate the chic décor which has a variety of gorgeous decorative details to cast your eyes upon, such as three large wrought iron chandeliers, which made a striking impact against the ‘Cape Cod chic’ white wooden ceiling panelling. The only punctuation of colour in the dining room was the purple glassware on all of the tables, which added a bit of cheer and the striking, oversized African paintings displayed on the walls.

As we sat in the dining room, taking it all in, we enjoyed the warm breeze from the glass, floor-to-ceiling patio doors, which were thrust open, providing a gentle breeze in the dining room - a welcome respite from the heat (it was 38C the day we visited).
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Everything here is pristine from the highly efficient service from the smartly dressed wait staff, who were friendly without being pretentious, to the immaculate décor. There were lovely small touches throughout our dining experience, such as a small stool, which our waiter provided for my handbag upon seating us. Why every restaurant doesn’t provide this for their diners beats me as it’s a simple, yet genius idea.

For our starters, I had the chilled leek and potato soup with a parmesan and truffle croquette - a cool and refreshing treat. My husband opted for the steak tartare served with seeded bread and quinoa, which looked superb and given his plate was clean in about two seconds flat, I can only assume it tasted great as well.
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For my mains, I devoured the pea and parmesan risotto, which was exceptionally creamy and had a nice crunch from the fresh peas. My husband went for the king klip with puy lentils and shredded coconut (a local favourite), which looked amazing, but I can’t bring myself to eat eel!

Dessert was a lemon tart with shaved ice lemon sorbet, which was sweet without being too heavy. The chef recommended a beautiful dessert wine to complement our dessert, which provided the perfect balance of sweetness to the tart of the lemon.
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After we’d finished our meals, we lamented that we didn’t want to leave and I can imagine that they have a very difficult time indeed convincing their guests to go home.

​The verdict
This is the type of place that’s so calming you immediately throw your plans out the window to relax with a chilled glass of vino in hand gazing out over the vines. Hands down, this is a must-visit restaurant if you’re in the Franschoek region.

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When we first arrived at Hopewell it was pouring rain, a huge disappoint to us but a welcome respite for the locals who had been battling with drought all year. Despite the rain, we were determined to enjoy our holiday, and our spirits were instantly lifted by the warm welcome from the staff who cheerily greeted us with chilled towels and a cold drink upon our arrival.

The dining room in the main lodge, the win e cellar and various African artefacts

The accommodation

Located in South Africa’s stunning Eastern Cape, Hopewell is a chic private game reserve set within a malaria-free coastal valley bushveld. For guests looking for a more personal experience in a secluded environment, Hopewell is the perfect retreat as it only hosts groups of up to 12 guests.

Accommodation options at Hopewell Lodge include two executive suites (located in the main lodge) and four luxury suites (separate from the main lodge), all of which are surrounded by lush vegetation, giving each guest the impression they are the only people on the reserve.

Dining al fresco on the large deck at the main lodge

Each luxury suite has its own magnificent infinity pool and an expansive sundeck large enough for entertaining - although it’s unlikely you’ll want to share the jaw-dropping views with anyone other than your loved one as you gaze in awe at the impressive natural environment before you.
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Whatever accommodation you choose, you’re guaranteed a superb view of the reserve, just don’t be surprised if the local wildlife pay a visit. We had no sooner unpacked our bags to settle in to the Buffalo Suite, when an inquisitive kudu (a type of antelope with large Micky Mouse style ears) wandered up to the shrubs near our sundeck for a cheeky afternoon nibble. Given our limited exposure to wild animals in London (apart from rowdy revellers on the night train), we were thrilled to witness the kudu going about his daily business without a care in the world and we watched silently until he disappeared back into the bush once he’d had his fill of leaves.

Lots of fresh air and rolling hills for you to feast your eyes upon

The Buffalo Suite

Our suite was a study in rustic-chic casual elegance with polished concrete flooring and tasteful dark walnut furnishings. The white-washed wooden ceiling beams created a striking focal point, competing only with the brick fire place, which takes centre stage in the room along with a free-standing bath that’s begging for you to sink into it with a glass of South African pinotage in one hand and a book in the other.

Finishing touches to the décor provided a subtle reminder of the location; in keeping with our suite’s namesake, our suite had a buffalo motif including ceramic buffalo heads, a buffalo sculpture and buffalo pillows.

The chic decor in the Buffalo Suite

Private infinity pools don't get much better than this

​The suites have been designed with couples in mind as the shower is fully open in the centre of the bathroom, so it’s best suited for exhibitionists! For those wishing to embrace their naturist spirit, they can also shower in the buff in the outdoor shower where they can scrub to their heart’s content while watching the sun rise of over the hills.

Sun rising over the hills - one benefit of those early morning starts!

Each night, the cleaner provides a turn-down service, which includes a lovely chocolate on your pillow. Given our visit fell over the Valentine’s Day weekend, she scattered fresh rose petals in the bath and formed a heart shape with the petals on our bed, which made the day even more special.

​The cuisine

Hopewell Lodge operates on an all-inclusive basis with all meals, house wines, local beers and spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee included in the rates. Meals are served three times a day with meal times scheduled around the game drives. As all meals are communal and served in the main lodge, it is advisable that you make friends with the other guests upon arrival so you can all collaboratively agree on timings for your drives and meals.

For breakfast guests can graze on fresh fruits, yogurts, cold meats and cheeses. There is also the option of a full English breakfast for those who wish to have a cooked breakfast. As there is no menu to choose from for lunch and dinner, fussy guests or those with allergies should inform staff in advance of their arrival, to ensure that they’re catered for. With two three-course meals a day, all prepared by the chef using local produce, you won’t go hungry! To accompany each meal, guests can select a bottle of fine South African wine from the cellar or choose a beverage of their choice from the fully-stocked bar.

​The safari experience – daily game drives allowing guests to encounter a wealth of animals in their natural habitat

Each day guests are given the opportunity to go on two game drives – typically early morning (from 6am) and late afternoon (around 4:30), although guests can pick which time is most convenient for them. Given that my husband and I aren’t exactly morning people, we were thrilled that our first morning drive was at 8:30am, allowing us to get a bit of much needed shut eye.

For each drive, guests (a maximum of eight at one time) pile into a Land Cruiser to embark on a two-hour drive through the reserve in hopes of catching a glimpse of the amazing animals living there. With a cool breeze on my face as the Land Cruiser bumped along over the muddy path, the stresses and strains of city life were a million miles away. As your eyes continually scan for animals, shrubbery and logs start to take on animal-shaped guises as you will yourself to see something, anything, however, we needn’t have worried about not seeing any animals.

Over the course of three drives, we saw an abundance of wildlife including: cheetah (Hopewell runs a cheetah sanctuary and they even have a hand-reared cheetah named ‘Tabo’ who you can pet under supervision of the ranger on duty), rhinos, giraffes, impala, hippos, zebra, water bucks, bush pigs, spring hares (small animals similar to a mini kangaroo), hartebeest (the fastest antelope in South Africa), kudu, elante (South Africa’s largest antelope), spotted eagle owls and a variety of other exotic birds.

​We also encountered what appeared to be the world’s largest, scariest looking spider in our room, which turned out to be a huntsman spider - a long-limbed, lizard eating spider that is second in size only to the tarantula - a stark reminder that we weren’t in Kansas anymore, as the saying goes!

During the highly educational safari the ranger shared a wealth of interesting facts, arming us with lots of ammunition that we can use at our next pub quiz, such as the gestation period of different animals (15 months for a giraffe, for the curious minded).

Giraffe at Hopewell reserve

Zebras at Hopewell reserve

Exotic African bird at Hopewell reserve

Tabo the cheetah and elephants at Hopewell reserve

​The verdict

Hopewell Lodge is the perfect place for those looking to get away from it all, providing guests with both unrivalled relaxation and an exhilarating safari experience that you’ll remember for years to come.

The details

Prices from £680 per night for an Executive Suite based on two sharing (prices vary depending on time of year you book).

​The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth. As there are no direct flights from the UK to Port Elizabeth, UK travellers need to fly to Johannesburg and take a connecting flight to Port Elizabeth. For a stress-free arrival at the reserve, guests have the option of arranging a private airport transfer (journey time is approximately 40 minutes).

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Marrakech is renowned for its stunning mosques and bustling souks. For those who want to enjoy the thrills of Marrakech without the hassle, a private jet makes the three-and-a-half-hour flight all the more luxurious. Flying privately eliminates check-in times, queues, customs and luggage carousels, allowing you to spend less time travelling and more time enjoying your holiday.

​Marrakech is one of the busiest cities in Africa, with 18 souks selling wares ranging from traditional Berber carpets to modern consumer electronics. The vibrant metropolis has so much to offer: a range of museums, historical gardens, beautiful architecture and fantastic food, all mixed in with all-year-round good weather, meaning you can visit whenever suits you best.

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Marrakech

If you’re looking to stay in the lap of luxury, the five-star Mandarin Oriental, is divine. This centrally located luxury resort is within easy reach of the city’s most famous attractions. The hotel comprises 54 villas, nine suites, three restaurants and a stunning spa that is located outside the medina in a two-hectare rose garden. The hotel is renowned for its cuisine, from fine Moroccan dining to relaxed poolside meals, ensuring that its restaurants and bars are destinations in their own right. At Mes ‘Lalla traditional Moroccan cuisine is twisted with a contemporary edge by celebrated chef Meryem Cherkaoui and at Ling Ling by Hakassan fine Cantonese dishes and innovative cocktails are served with an eclectic soundtrack.

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Marrakech

For those looking for a more authentic Moroccan experience, why not try out a riad? Riads are inward looking, Andalusian-style buildings centred on a courtyard with a central fountain. The Villa Des Orangers is akin to a secret royal palace, allowing guests to absorb Moroccan culture in luxurious splendour.

Whatever you decide to see and do during your journey to Marrakech, flying via a private jet will make your trip all the more memorable.

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Marrakech is nothing if not full on. There’s very little about it that’s low-key - to explore the Medina is to set foot into another place and time: the traffic is mental, the colours explosive, the ‘advertising’ playfully forceful and the streetwear a confounding mixture of medieval and modern.

But of course, this is what’s so utterly brilliant about it. You scarcely expect to fly a mere three hours from London - and to experience no time difference whatsoever - and yet to plunge into a place so entirely other.

​But plunge into it you must, because to do otherwise is to miss out on so much of what makes Marrakech what it is. Haggle. Laugh. Walk away. Walk back. Offer a lower price. Buy the slippers. Allow yourself to be passed from guide to guide on a wild goose chase for an ‘only today, something very special’ which ends up being a terrace-top view of the tanneries - and for goodness’ sake, accept the mint leaves and crush them under your nose to ward off the smell. Get lost in the souks. Sample spices and buy things for which you’ll likely never find a culinary use. Allow your arm to be grabbed by a henna artist; snatch it back if you wish, or submit to the intricate swirls and patterns of her syringe applicator and hand over some dirhams at the end. Watch flame jugglers by night, sample street food, observe wild dancers, marvel at snakes being charmed, decline to pose for a photo with a monkey, circumnavigate the city walls in a horse and carriage.

Do it all. It’s exhilarating.

​Escape the PaceIt’s also, unsurprisingly, exhausting - and like many buzz-inducing things, Marrakech is best enjoyed with some quality downtime between forays into all of its colourful madness. The Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Marrakech is located within a few minutes’ drive of the Medina - a complimentary shuttle bus runs several times a day between resort and centre - yet feels as ethereally distant from the glorious hustle and bustle as the reflection of a star on a pond is from the night sky.

Built in a sympathetically low-rise, flat roofed, pink wash style, the Royal Palm, vast though it is, is barely discernible on approach - and then you sweep in through the gates and into an abundance of bulbous cacti, whispering grasses and trailing foliage, fetchingly lush and green against the apricot-ish walls.

The Suites
Suites are spacious and luxurious, decorated with the kind of low-key opulence that smacks of genuine taste. High ceilings and dark wood abound; the colour scheme is rich and soothingly neutral, with occasional pops of brightness incorporated in the plush floor rugs and comfy armchairs. By night, subtle lighting options and a discreet turn-down service lead you irresistibly to the bed, which is piled high with mounds of white pillows and made up with silkily cool cotton.

The suite bathroomsThe bathroom offers equally blissful shower and bathing options while, beyond this, the dressing room provides ample space for hanging and folding clothes, as well as a comfortable vanity area. Walk from the large living area through to the balcony, with its huge divan, tiled table and views of endless greenery; all rooms at the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Marrakech face the golf course. For larger groups or those seeking complete seclusion, there are also a number of villas, complete with private pools, from which to choose.

​Dining Options
By day, informal lunches with a Mediterranean feel can be enjoyed at L’Olivier, which is right by the main pool, with umbrellas and plants providing shade and waiters wearing jaunty hats and willing smiles. By night, head to Le Caravane, with which you’ll also become familiar via the morning’s exhaustive and beautifully presented breakfast buffet. Here, service is just the right blend of attentiveness and unobtrusiveness - a stool appears next to my seat for my bag, my scarf is draped on the back of my chair before I even notice it’s slipped off, we’re wrapped in thick, soft robes of black as soon as a nip appears in the air, and ushered inside (to an already prepared table) beneath umbrellas when a quick but heavy rain shower passes over.

​Meals appear on the table under silver domes, all of which are simultaneously removed with a flourish to reveal food that’s as beautifully presented as it is to taste - my lamb is sublime. Upstairs, the female-run Al Aïn provides a more authentically traditional Moroccan setting, with an Andalouse musical trio, atmospheric lamps, fabric-swathed walls and Zellij tiling, plus cuisine that transforms simple ingredients into the subtle and exotic. ​

​Activities
There’s more than ample reason to be as horizontally inactive as you please at The Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Marrakech - as well as comfortable sun beds surrounding the seemingly endless blue waters of the climate-controlled outdoor pools, there’s the Clarins Spa, which offers a range of relaxation, pampering and beauty treatments and hosts another, indoor, pool, hanging with greenery and reserved solely for client use.

Naturally, the 18-hole Par-72 course is the main attraction for golfers: designed by Cabell B. Robinson, it combines a variety of challenges with tropical shrubbery and an eco-sympathetic irrigation system. Non-golfers can burn of the holiday calories on the tennis or squash court, or by training in one of the fitness rooms, where choices range from cardio and Pilates to Kinesis and boxing.

​Those travelling with younger family members may be looking forward to enjoying a few child-free hours while their children are cared for - but should be warned that they may have difficulty leaving their offspring in the Kids’ Club, simply because the surrounds are so utterly swoon-inducing that they’ll be tempted to stay there themselves. ​

Don’t Miss
Although it’s incredibly easy to lose hours (and all sense of direction) in the souks, be sure to set aside some daylight hours for exploring some of Marrakech’s beautiful gardens: Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle requires a fairly hefty entrance fee in comparison to its size, but it’s Instagram heaven for lovers of colour and has a charmingly peaceful cafe and gorgeous bookshop. The gardens at Hotel La Mamounia are also a must - make a reservation for an indulgent Moroccan afternoon tea and then stay on for a wander through the grounds.

A three-night stay at Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Marrakech starts from £499 per person with Destinology, based on two people sharing on a room only basis and including return low cost flights from London Gatwick, baggage charges and transfers. For further information or to book, visit destinology.co.uk or call 01204 824619.

Travel tipsThe Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, so do your exchange on arrival and spend up your extra dirhams to ensure you have no more than 1000Dh with you on departure.

​Some of the vendors in the souks will accept Euros and US Dollars but it’s best not to rely on this.

​During my stay I was hosted by the Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury Marrakech. All words and opinions are my own.

Sarah Rodrigues

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It has taken 10 years to discover and develop this remarkably uncommon destination. Off-grid and solar-powered, Thanda Island offers guests an environmentally sensitive, fun and restorative Indian Ocean experience in total seclusion. Comprising an expansive five-bedroom villa featuring an impressive glass rim-flow swimming pool and a huge indoor aquarium to rival its outdoor counterpart, it combines casual beach-house living with outdoor ocean adventures. The villa accommodates 10 adults, with the option of additional children sharing.

Exclusive use of Thanda Island is available through Aardvark Safaris from US$10,000 (£7,150) per night, (minimum stay of 3-7 nights depending on the season). This all-inclusive rate includes a team of dedicated staff, boat transfers from Mafia Island and all the activities offered on the island, along with all meals and drinks including Thanda’s handpicked selection of wines and champagnes. Spa treatments, diving, exclusive wines and champagnes are extra.

Essque Zalu Zanzibar is a stunning boutique beach front property, nestled in a natural cove on the north east coast of Zanzibar. Featuring 40 suites and nine three and four-bedroom villas, three distinct restaurants showcasing local cuisine, and a stunning spa, the retreat already offers the bespoke, personalised service for which Per AQUUM is renowned.

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In a quest to bring two of my burning passions (travel and art) together, I jumped on a plane bound for Marrakech to experience my first Biennale. I had a window of two days to enjoy the festival, and having experienced the madness that is Marrakech last year, I was keen to do some pre-trip homework to ensure I had a plan to enjoy the festival to its fullest.
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After talking with my friends and colleagues about my mini adventure, I was surprised to learn how few people knew what a Biennale was. So, if your one of those people here’s a little background...

​Biennales are international art festivals hosted by large cities across the world, and are typically held every two years. Currently, there are 46 countries that stage Biennales. Typically lasting over 12 weeks, they provide a platform to showcase international artists, attracting thousands of visitor, which provides a great boost to a city's tourism.

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The all-inclusive 7-night adventure isn’t your conventional yoga retreat. Safari based activities in the private reserve will be combined with daily yoga and fitness sessions as well as personalised food plans organised by Matt.

Leobo is one of only a handful of sole-use private reserves in South Africa allowing guests full access to the entire estate and all of its facilities. Hosted by celebrity trainer Matt Miller, you will enjoy sunset yoga and sundowners overlooking the plains and in the evenings you will enjoy customised healthy gourmet cuisine by a top chef.

Leobo combines adventure and thrills with flora and fauna. This is a luxury fitness safari like no other. Think quad bikes, helicopter flights, cross country Polaris buggies, sky diving, and night drives with military grade vision kit. You may not even have time for your complimentary massage.

The lodge sits high on a kopje and captures from the moment you arrive with breathtaking views over the African savannah. Head chef Chris will produce outstandingly nutritional cuisine throughout your stay to compliment your exercise each day.

Each morning, acclaimed trainer Matt Miller will lead optional boot camp sessions and running safaris. After an afternoon at your own leisure in the playground that is Leobo Lodge, Matt will host sunset yoga and sundowners overlooking the plains - the perfect way to start an evening of customised healthy gourmet cuisine. Not to mention the staff are a dream and it boasts a wine cellar stocked with the finest Cape vintages on tap.

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Africa has been making its mark in recent travel polls; Lonely Planet naming Botswana as the number one country to visit in 2016 and National Geographic has placed Uganda in their top 10 places to see the world’s wildlife. Home to a melting pot of exotic recipes from across the globe, there’s also another reason to take a bite of Africa this year and these traditional dishes picked by overland specialist Acacia Africa are bound to inspire the foodie in you.

South Africa’s pleasing exchange rate makes the country ideal for Brits who have a budget sized travel itch. Grab a slice of culture on a Township tour and sample Bobotie - the South African answer to Shepherds pie. The twist? Add curry to the minced meat and instead of the usual mashed potato, treat yourself to a frothy custard topping. Like everything in South Africa, the traditional dishes cross borders and continents.

The Namibian dollar is pegged to the South African Rand making the country another great value destination. With 11 different ethnic tribes and culinary influences from various countries, Namibia is another foodie fusion.

A regular pit stop on the overland trail why not place your order at Joe’s Beer House in Windhoek and sample the best of Namibian and German cuisine.

If you’re game for something exotic you’ll find ostrich, crocodile, springbok, and kudu on the menu and to really get into the spirit of African dining, you should sit around the open fire in the outside boma.

Botswanais clearly one of the frontrunners for this year’s travellers, its 50th anniversary of independence scheduled for 30 September. If you’re travelling across more than one country in Africa, you may find that many of national dishes are based on meat and maize, and Botswana's ‘Seswaa’ is no different. The dish consists of a meat stew boiled with onion or pepper. The meat is then pounded heavily and served over thick polenta or pap with a leafy green called Morogo - known as African spinach. Go overland as you’ll have the chance to shop at local markets and maybe even learn how to cook this delicious meal en route.

Zimbabwe’s new $150 million dollar Victoria Falls International Airport officially opened in December 2015 and the possibility of new direct flights is expected to be a “game changer” for Southern Africa as a region. While you’re visiting, you have to treat yourself to a heap of crisp-fried kapenta - one of the country’s culinary masterpieces. Regularly sold at street stalls, the dish is comprised of two species of small freshwater fish stewed with tomatoes, onions and groundnut powder. The tasty offering is often served with maize porridge (sadza) and an equal helping of greens. Using cutlery here would be a culinary faux pas, so scoop up the sazda with your hand and dip it into the fish.

After suffering years of unrest, Mozambiqueis now a rising star on the budget travel circuit. From Vilankulos to Xai-Xai, the turquoise waters are literally teeming with marine life; giant manta rays, turtles, reef sharks, dolphins and the rare dugong on the list. A world in one dish, its heady blend of African, Portuguese, oriental and Arab recipes will definitely tempt your taste buds Sample fresh fish, prawns, calamari, crab, lobster, and crayfish from a street stall on the coast, add in some rice or fries (known as batata fritas) and dine on the sands while watching the sun go down over the ocean.

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